Hair Extensions: My Personal Experience with Tape-Ins, Wefts & Nano Extensions
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Hair extensions have become a popular choice for anyone looking to transform their hair. Whether you're after added length, volume, or a splash of color, extensions offer versatility and instant results. In this guide, I share my personal journey—from recovering damaged hair through the help of extensions, to my favorite extension brands and types—plus practical tips to help you choose the right extensions and keep them looking their best.
Why Choose Hair Extensions?
Instant Length and Volume: Achieve your desired hair length and fullness instantly—no waiting for natural growth.
Color Without Commitment: Experiment with different colors without dyeing or bleaching your natural hair. Extensions can be dyed to match your preferred shade.
Versatility: Style your hair in countless ways, from sleek ponytails to voluminous curls, without worrying about fine or short hair and curls hold better with extensions.
Boost Confidence: Enhance your appearance and feel confident with a hairstyle that suits your personality and lifestyle.
Why I Started Using Hair Extensions
My hair extension journey began after a salon appointment where my fine hair was lightened—and unfortunately badly damaged. This sent me on the search for a new stylist. I found someone amazing at a local salon, and when she left to work independently, she brought me on as a private client. She’s been doing my hair ever since, now in the comfort of my home. Without the pressure of a busy salon and no overhead costs, she offers more flexible pricing. If you’re looking to save, a home-based stylist could be your best bet.
Hair Extensions: Not Just a Luxury
There’s a misconception that extensions are very pricey, but that’s not always true. I’ve found ways to make them budget-friendly without compromising quality. With the right stylist and sourcing, beautiful extensions don’t have to break the bank.
My Top Advice: Never Sacrifice Quality
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned: always choose quality hair. I once bought from an online brand with gorgeous colors, but after one wash, the hair was matted and extremely dry. I had to replace them immediately. Poor quality extensions just aren’t worth it. They were priced like quality hair extensions however, the brand was not well known. So always buy from a reputable or recommended brand.
Types of Extensions I’ve Tried
Tape-In Extensions
Tape-ins are semi-permanent, applied by sandwiching your natural hair between adhesive wefts. They lie flat and install quickly.
Pros:
Great fullness
Lightweight
Quick application
Cons:
Can be tricky with updos
Visible in windy weather
We removed any leftover adhesive from the tape-in extensions easily by applying warm coconut oil to the roots and gently brushing it through. I had the extensions reinstalled every 5 weeks, as tape-ins tend to become more visible as they grow out compared to other methods. There are also invisible tape-in extensions — they have hair on the outside of the tape, which helps conceal the adhesive and creates a more seamless look. They do tend to be a bit more expensive, but the added discretion may be worth the extra cost.
Weft Extensions
I used Babe Hair Extensions — including their tape-ins, I-tips, and machine-tied wefts — for years before switching to nano extensions. The quality was consistently excellent, especially across multiple installs. I typically got three installs per set without issue. More installs may be possible, but keep in mind that the length can end up significantly shorter, as the ends often need to be trimmed after the third install to keep them looking healthy. Their shade range tends to lean warmer, so I often needed to tone the extensions to better match my cooler hair color.
Working with a stylist who has access to professional-only suppliers made this affordable. Salon prices include skill, time, and overhead which tends raises the cost of hair extension installation. Ask if you can bring your own and try to get supplier-direct pricing to save.
Personal notes:
Machine-tied wefts felt heavy on fine hair
Used 3 rows with tape-ins on top for blending
Wefts require thorough washing
Natural look, best for loose styles but less comfy long-term
Nano Extensions: My Current Favorite Extension Method
Nano extensions blend beautifully, are lightweight, and easy to conceal. They allow updos and wash through easily — sometimes I forget I’m wearing them.
My setup:
Reinstalled every 5 weeks to align with my hair coloring schedule, but they could easily last up to 7–8 weeks before the next reinstall, as the grow-out is relatively discreet
About 100 1g nano strands + 25g invisible tapes for fullness, so about 125g in total
Natural yet voluminous thickness and blends well with my fine hair
Pro tip: Match the nano bead color to your root; slightly darker hides beads best
My favorite brand of nano hair extensions is Livable. They're an Alberta-based company that specializes exclusively in nano extensions. The quality has always been excellent, and they offer a wide range of shades and tones, making it easy to find a perfect match.
Extension Care Tips
Brush gently from the bottom up, sectioning hair for easier detangling
Use a detangling brush designed for extensions
Sleep with hair in a high ponytail to avoid tangles and preserve style
Saving on Quality Extensions
Quality hair extension quotes could range from $1,000–$3,000+ (not always including color or maintenance) and can depend on many factors. To save:
Find a home-based stylist with lower overhead
Bring your own extensions if allowed
Compare salon quotes
Book Your Appointments Ahead
Pre-booking keeps your routine stress-free, prevents your extensions from growing out, and ensures you always get timely appointments. I make it a habit to schedule my next visit before leaving, so I’m never scrambling to remember when to book or trying to fit into a busy schedule.
Choosing the Right Stylist
Look for someone who:
Is passionate and experienced with extensions
Respects your natural hair health
Takes time with your consultation and answers all your questions
Posts client photos on social media
Final Thoughts
With the right method, quality hair, and a knowledgeable stylist, extensions can transform your look and simplify your routine. If you’re on the fence, I hope this guide inspires you to explore what’s possible.
Any hair extension tips or experiences? Please share them in the comments below!